The number of net zero commercial buildings under construction in the U.S. and Canada in 2017 rose by nearly 50% over the previous year.
Though the total number of “emerging” net zero buildings, 279, is small, observers say interest in pursuing these projects has never been stronger and is growing quickly. “Zero energy” refers to buildings that generate at least 100% of their own power from renewable sources that are either onsite or built specifically for the project.
Sixty-seven commercial buildings have now been “verified” in the U.S. and Canada, according to a recent report from the New Buildings Institute. Steep drops in the cost of solar panels and improvements in their performance have been a key driver of the trend.
More economical PVs have prompted some owners to reach for net zero when they previously had seen that goal as cost-prohibitive. Codes and incentives are also influencing the growth of net zero buildings. More than half the emerging net zero buildings are in California, which has a stringent energy code and a mandate for all new state buildings to be designed for zero energy performance by 2020.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2018
Power systems will become more decentralized for better disaster resiliency
Businesses, homeowners will control more power-generation capacity.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2018
Getting commitments from key subs critical on government contracts
Withdrawn subcontractor bids can be costly.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2018
Internal watchdog says EPA falling short to protect school children from asbestos
Agency not conducting enough inspections, report says.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2018
Climate change impacts could prompt realignment of assets for commercial property developers
Strategies include reducing exposure to properties in flood-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2018
Political will, tougher standards needed to reach carbon neutral goal
Stretch codes, more stringent credentials for designers, contractors, and inspectors may be needed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2018
Natural light is the most prized office perk
Employees crave sunshine and views of the outdoors more than cafeterias, fitness centers, and childcare.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2018
Industry consensus needed for multifamily energy efficiency retrofit approach
Choice of insulating materials can impact indoor air quality, resident health.
Codes and Standards | Sep 25, 2018
New market forces disrupting global real estate development industry
Executives concerned about trade policy, labor shortages, approval processes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2018
More than 130 organizations petition OSHA to create heat protection standard for workers
Includes mandatory rest breaks, heat-exposure monitoring, record-keeping injury requirement.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2018
North Carolina law banning use of recent climate science could worsen Hurricane Florence impact
Policies may have undermined ability to make coastal regions more resilient.
